Summary & Assets
A hugely enjoyable and rewarding day, featuring a diverse range of topics and speakers and with over 80 professional composers in attendance.
80 composers attended
The day kicked off with renowned session drummer Ralph Salmins. A highlight of the day for many, Ralph shared with us his unique insight into the inner workings of film score drum sessions, with his engaging presentation style. He emphasised the importance of subtle percussion timbres and took us through his own distinctive ways to add colour and excitement to a film score, followed by a detailed look at a few of his most recent notated scores. He then talked us through some essential tips on both the performance and recording side of things and how to capture that deep, high-impact movie sound, culminating in a live video presentation of the vibrant, percussive opening sequence to Burn After Reading by Carter Burwell.
Sessions two and three offered a more practical approach from John Moores, beginning with a look at using the Logic Hypereditor to create a human feel when programming drums. Sourcing his sounds from Superior Drums, he took us deep into his compression and EQ settings and discussed his own approach to mixing drums, with the aid of various Logic and third party plugins. He then turned his attention to loop manipulation with a discussion on where to source great loops and an overview of the best libraries on the market. With an emphasis on how to personalise loops, he concentrated mainly on Stylus RMX, taking us through some of his preferred methods for editing and processing.
Brian Smith offered a refreshingly different approach to programming with his talk on beats, workflows and unorthodoxy. He had us thinking about new ways to make use of 'found sounds' and the unique benefits of truly owning your sounds. His charismatic presentation style had the audience captivated from the word go while his unique approach to workflow had many of us questioning the way we work. As a NI product trainer he couldn't resist the temptation to discuss the hugely popular hardware platform, Maschine and went on to demonstrate its considerable versatility, not only as a drum sampler but as a general performance tool.
End of play rehydration.
Last but very definitely not least, Jules Bromley had us all enthralled by his open laptop session, if somewhat in awe of his meticulously thorough approach to programming (yes, he really has spent a whole day tweaking a snare sound). He delivered his impressively comprehensive presentation - The Mechanics of Beats (available below as a downloadable PDF) in a skilfully dynamic, fast-paced style, while somehow retaining his uniquely relaxed, affable manner. He went on to generously share with us the inner-workings of several of his recent projects, opening up his sequencer files and revealing some of the mixing techniques that contribute to his highly sought-after, signature sound.
We are immensely grateful to all who attended and look forward to seeing everyone at the next event - Orchestral Sound scheduled for September 2011, where we'll be taking a look at the various approaches to orchestral sample manipulation and how to achieve a full, expressive, realistic orchestral sound, for those of us without the budget for a 60 piece orchestra.
Olivia Dixon
4 May, 2011
olivia@screenedmusic.co.uk
Comments & Feedback
A really informative and enjoyable day. It was particularly inspired to start with Ralph Salmins to give everything solid context.
Terry Davies
Jules Bromley was fabulous. He was clearly very switched on, and his passion and substantial knowledge took his presentation WAY BEYOND my expectations. His affable yet clearly savvy business manner were also terrific to witness. To be frank, I was surprised he was so willing to share some of his personal tips and preferences so willingly! All that said - his presentation alone made the the whole day worth going to see. It's possible that I may not have felt of a mind to write my feedback at all had it not been for his impact on me and thoughts about my own approaches to both the music and the business side of things
Richard Ford
Great to hear from somebody (Ralph Salmins) who actually works at the highest level in the industry sharing their insights and experience. Lovely entertaining speaker. Would have happily listened to him for much longer. It was really well organised and a very friendly positive atmosphere.
Rob Lord
Great value for money, I'd definitely recommend it and will look forward to the next one.
Martin Batchelar
Presentation Downloads
All files are for private, educational use only. Unless stated otherwise all files are copyright of their author. Publishing or sharing these files without written consent from the copyright holder is strictly prohibited.
Ralph Salmins
Jules Bromley
Brian Smith
The Talent…
Nick Ryan
Nick Ryan is an award-winning composer, sound designer and audio-media specialist. Nick's unique approach to music and sound and his core interest in using sound and music to describe visual 'form' has resulted in his collaboration with diverse disciplines of film drama and documentary, motion graphics, animation and interactive media, orchestral ensemble and radio.
Projects include Film Four short 'Spin', UK feature 'Rabbit Fever' Louis Theroux's 'Law and Disorder' series, the generic soundtrack for Sony PS2, Odeon Cinema titles, MTV's 'M2' channel idents, MTV News Titles and World Aids Day identity. Nick worked for three years with 'BBC Imagineering' as an Audio Media Research Consultant where he was responsible for the conception of creative future applications for sound in broadcasting.
Projects include Film Four short 'Spin', UK feature 'Rabbit Fever' Louis Theroux's 'Law and Disorder' series, the generic soundtrack for Sony PS2, Odeon Cinema titles, MTV's 'M2' channel idents, MTV News Titles and World Aids Day identity.
In 2004 he received a British Academy Award for 'The Dark House', a groundbreaking interactive radio drama that he devised and mixed live on BBC Radio 4 in September 2003. During this time he co-authored two Government reports 'The Future of Music' and 'The Future of Radio' which predicted future global trends in the creation, distribution and consumption of music and radio.
In 2007 Nick released 'Cortical Songs' - a four-part 'symphony' for twenty-four piece string orchestra based on theoretical models developed in 1950s, which describe the rhythmic 'firing' of groups of neurons in the cortex of the brain. The album features remixes by Thom Yorke, Simon Tong, Gabriel Prokofiev and others.
In 2008 Nick won the prestigious $100,000 'PRS Foundation New Music Award' for the 'Fragmented Orchestra' project - a giant sound installation that captured fragments of sound from 24 locations across the UK and transmitted them to the FACT Gallery in Liverpool.
In September 2009 Nick received an Honorary Doctorate of Music from Plymouth University.
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Ralph Salmins
Immersed in jazz and R&B from a young age, Ralph became a professional musician at the age of 16, freelancing around London while studying classical percussion at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama. He won the Philip Jones Percussion Prize for his final recital in 1986.
In the early 1990's, he toured and recorded with Everything But The Girl, playing alongside Vinnie Colaiuta on their "Worldwide" album. In '93, he spent time on the road with Kirk Whalum opening for Whitney Houston. In '94, he worked with the Count Basie Orchestra and was invited back for two tours with the band. From '95 to'99, he was a band mate of James Brown alumni Fred Wesley and Pee Wee Ellis in Van Morrison's band, with whom he toured for four years recording three albums: "How Long Has This Been Going On?", " Tell Me Something" and "The Healing Game".
Movie composers with whom he works regularly include Patrick Doyle, Hans Zimmer and Anne Dudley and he has worked on the soundtracks to over 120 movies.
Ralph's versatility and signature groove have established him as the drummer of choice for producers and composers worldwide. Artists he's worked with in the studio include Madonna, Tori Amos, Macy Gray, Alanis Morisette, Sheryl Crow, Kelly Rowlands, Celine Dion, John Williams, Elton John, Mike Oldfield , George Martin, Paul McCartney, Burt Bacharach, Elvis Costello, Gloria Estefan, Tom Jones, Michel Legrand and Diana Ross.
Ralph's love of jazz has led to work with some of the legends of the art form which include Mose Allison, Hank Crawford, Teddy Edwards, Herb Ellis, Jon Faddis, Georgie Fame, Art Farmer, Herb Geller, The Go Jazz All-Stars, Scott Hamilton, Gene Harris, Jon Hendricks, Vincent Herring, Red Holloway, Cleo Laine, Michel Legrand, John Lewis, Joe Lovano, Wynton Marsalis, Mundell Lowe, Marian McPartland, Charles McPherson, George Masso, James Moody, Bheki Mseleku, Mark Murphy, Irene Reid, Annie Ross, Diana Ross, Gunter Schuller, Tom Scott, Bobby Shew, Byron Stripling, Ralph Sutton, Lew Tabackin, Martin Taylor, Stan Tracey, Warren Vache, Bobby Watson, Bobby Wellins, Bob Wilbur, Jimmy Witherspoon and Joe Williams.
Ralph was an original member of Guy Barker's International Quintet with whom he recorded the Mercury Music Prize-nominated "Into The Blue" for Verve Records. He has spent time in various regular groups, including The Dankworth Generation Band, Laurie Johnson's London Big Band, The Brian Dee Trio & Quartet, The Bobby Wellins Quartet and Kenny Baker's Dozen. He is currently playing in The Guy Barker Jazz Orchestra and Colin Towns' Mask Orchestra.
Ralph can be heard on Bjork's top ten hit "It's Oh So Quiet" and Robbie Williams' 7x Platinum "Swing When You're Winning" album and live DVD.
Movie composers with whom he works regularly include Patrick Doyle, Hans Zimmer and Anne Dudley and he has worked on the soundtracks to over 120 movies, including Bridget Jones's Diary, Donnie Brasco, Evita, Goldeneye, Charlie And The Chocolate Factory, Harry Potter And The Prisoner of Askhaban, Tomorrow Never Dies, Burn After Reading, Fantastic Mr. Fox and BAFTA Award and Oscar-winning movies Gosford Park, Moulin Rouge, La Vie En Rose and Lord Of The Rings: Return Of The King.
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John Moores
John is an accomplished guitarist with over 25 years performing experience in a broad range of jazz, rock and pop styles. He has featured in performances and gigs across the UK and Europe, including the musicals Jesus Christ Superstar and Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat. Session credits include recording for Boy George, Edwin Starr, Paul McCartney, Brothers in Rhythm, and worldwide top 40 act Tinman. Television sessions include 40 Something (ITV), Hero to Zero (BBC) and, most recently, Zig Zag Love (BBC).
John has written and produced music for television, radio, film, corporate and multimedia, and provided a sound design service for industry leaders in these fields. Recent TV credits include BBC TV's 'Crimewatch' theme.
In music publishing, John has created transcriptions and programmed/produced the music for over 40 books, including the award-winning "Play Guitar with&ehllip;" series for Music Sales Ltd.
John is a fully-qualified teacher with over 20 years experience teaching music and music technology at all levels from KS3 to postgraduate. A recognised "Logic Guru", John works for Apple EMEIA as the Logic Trainer Mentor and as an Apple Distinguished Professional. He is an Apple Certified Logic Studio Master Trainer, providing quality training for many Apple training centres in the UK & Ireland.
John also runs a Music Technology Consultancy, offering technical support and training for professional film/tv composers, music studios and corporate clients.
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Brian Smith
Brian has been working with NI for many years as a freelance trainer, tutorial producer, and product specialist and runs Big Brain Audio, a training school for high-end music production professionals.
He has been involved with audio technology since the early 1980s and has lectured and taught numerous workshops on sound design and audio production techniques.
After studying electroacoustic composition and computer music at the University of California, Santa Cruz, he co-founded the Language Lab, a multi-media improvisational group which performed in San Francisco. He later moved to Paris, studying and teaching music there, before moving to Berlin, where he has lived for the past fifteen years. In that time, he has given lectures and seminars throughout Europe on audio technology. He has also worked as a product specialist for Native Instruments and wrote and hosted the highly-acclaimed NI Absynth and Kontakt Tutorial DVDs.
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Jules Bromley
Jules has been writing music for picture, producing and remixing for over 15 years.
As a composer of music for picture, he has written regularly for Universal, and has countless TV usage credits to his name - Big Brother, Cold Feet, Waterloo Road, Big Train, Oprah Winfrey to name but a few. He's also scored documentaries, short films, new-media projects and commercials. Recent credits include the Discovery US documentary 'Shark Bite Beach' (ariring Spring 2010), music for the 'Ugly Betty' Season 3 UK promo (C4), and commercials for 'Modern Warfare 2' (C4) and 'Hedex'.
His skills as a producer and remixer have also earned him numerous major label credits for work with Texas, David Arnold, Bran Van 3000, Touch & Go, Ultimate Kaos, V.A.S.T and many more. He's written with an eclectic mix of artists including Linda Clifford, Dimitri from Paris, Alexis Strum, Blue from Basement Jaxx and Stephane Moraille and has been signed to V2 Records with his band Columbo, which enjoyed chart success in the late 90's.
His experience in electronic as well as acoustic musical genres, obsession with cutting-edge production values, and passion for inspiring arrangements and melodies has ensured that his writing abilities are always highly in demand.
Jules has a Master of Arts degree from Cambridge University, and is a member of the Performing Rights Society (PRS), British Academy of Composers and Songwriters (BACS), National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences (NARAS), and the Audio Engineering Society (AES).
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